Thomas Arthur Diederich

Thomas A. Diederich, 73, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 28.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

The funeral service will be livestreamed at: https://www.ourlivingwater.org/tomdiederich.html

Tom was born on August 25, 1952, in Benson, Minnesota, to Arthur and Irene (Walsh) Diederich. Life brought challenges early when he lost his father at the age of 10. Just before his senior year of high school, his family moved to Thief River Falls, where his mother married his stepfather, Ray Rausch. After graduating from high school in 1970, Tom moved to Willmar and began his career with Willmar Manufacturing/Ag Chem, where he worked for 34 years, remaining with the company even after it relocated to Jackson, Minnesota.

On February 17, 1973, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Mary Thorson. Together, they built a loving family and shared more than 53 years of marriage.

Tom was a dedicated and hardworking man who stayed busy throughout his life. While working at Willmar Manufacturing/Ag Chem, he also served as Head of Maintenance at ACMC, and later worked at Willmar Fabrication. He then spent the final 15 years of his career serving the Church of St. Mary while also owning and operating Cleaning Plus before retiring in 2022.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Tom found great joy in spending time with family around the campfire, deer hunting, cooking, baking, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. He was known for his kind heart, strong faith, and willingness to help anyone in need. Through his generosity, quiet strength, and caring nature, he touched countless lives.

Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Bethanie (Michael) Strom of Dodge Center, Kyle (Rachel) Diederich of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Alissa (Rich) Taylor of Willmar; and his eight grandchildren: Kaleb, Ethan, Sean, Alex, Hanna, Andrew, Maycie, and Aubree.

He is also survived by his siblings, Helen Behrends, Mary Kaye Gordon, Donna (Lynn) Torgerson, Beverly Diederich, Louise Miller, Susan (Rich) Maynard, and David (Karen) Diederich; as well as extended family members Lisa (Paul) Mohs, Kari (Tom) Struthers, Paul (Kelly) Thorson, Shirley Thorson, and Linda Thorson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Irene; his stepfather, Ray Rausch; his parents-in-law, Walter and Grace Thorson; and his brothers-in-law, John and Daniel Thorson.

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